The Faculty of Newsletter February 2018 Anger and protests at RCVS statement on CAM ets, farmers and pet owners have condemnation of the RCVS. “This reacted with anger after the Royal statement has been imposed without VCollege of Veterinary Surgeons’ consultation with clients or any of the (RCVS) ruling council agreed a new vets who use these treatments. We position statement on complementary are deeply disappointed that the RCVS therapies which they say is tantamount would seek to undermine its own to a ban on the use of homeopathy in members whose independence and the treatment of sick animals. livelihoods are at stake.” Although the statement is designed Supporters of veterinary to cover all complementary therapies, homeopathy have also been making it singles out homeopathy. It makes the their views known. An online petition questionable claim the therapy “exists received over 15,000 signatures. without a recognised body of evidence” And in January a group of about 50 and to protect animal welfare it should protestors, many accompanied by their only be used alongside conventional animals, braved gale force winds and treatments and not as an alternative. pouring rain to march on the RCVS’s Furthermore, many homeopathic Vet Geoff Johnson protesting headquarters in London to deliver the veterinary surgeons believe the in London petition. They were met by Professor statement implies a degree of criticism Peter May, the RCVS’s president, who of their clinical competence, in that by used in veterinary practice, as well attempted to clarify the royal college’s using homeopathy they are causing as human medicine, is inconclusive. position. animals to suffer. When challenged If the RCVS were to apply the same He said: “We continue to on this, the RCVS conceded they evidential criteria used for homeopathy recognise that homeopathy and other have no evidence that vets using to all treatments, there would be far complementary therapies are popular complementary therapies, including fewer clinical options available to the amongst some animal owners and homeopathy, are causing harm to profession.” certain members of the veterinary animals. He went on: “There is growing profession, as indicated by today’s Responding to the statement interest in homeopathy from animal delegation, but it is worth reiterating Peter Gregory, the Faculty’s veterinary owners, as they see conventional that the RCVS council statement does dean, said the statement “has serious medicines regularly failing or producing not ban their use.” implications for the whole profession adverse side-effects. This is especially But campaigners remain and the future of veterinary medicine”. true in livestock farming, where there is unconvinced and are considering a “Contrary to the RCVS position, a drive to reduce the dependence on larger demonstration later in the year. there is quality evidence supporting antibiotics in light of concerns about Mr Gregory said: “To have this position the efficacy of the therapy,” he said. antimicrobial resistance.” statement rescinded will take a lot of “The evidence is inconclusive – in Chris Day, president of the British work, but our resolve is strong and the same way the evidence base Association of Homeopathic Veterinary public support for homeopathic vets for many conventional medicines Surgeons, was equally forceful in his has been overwhelming.” EDITORIAL

omeopathy has survived many metaphysical speculation. Homeopathy attacks in its 212-year history, Dr Peter Fisher was born before its time in scientific Hso perhaps we should not be terms: although Avogadro enunciated so surprised by the current sustained his eponymous principle in 1811, during attack by sceptical groups. But it is Hahnemann’s lifetime, there is no worth reflecting on the recent history evidence that Hahnemann knew of it. to see what we can learn. The current In any case its value was not calculated series of attacks can be traced to until 1876, by Loschmidt. The result the lead story of The Times on 24 is that homeopathy remains in its August 2005 “Prince plots alternative scientific infancy. treatments for the NHS”. But the last few years have seen This story was based on a leak of the Sir Michael Peat, the Prince of Wales’ a series of developments which may * by Prof Edzard Ernst. Principal Private Secretary, wrote to eventually put to bed the criticism that Christopher Smallwood had previously the vice chancellor of Exeter University “it doesn’t work because it can’t work”: been an economics adviser to Barclays protesting at the leak, and the university that it is impossible for the very high Bank and subsequently chairman conducted an investigation. Ernst’s dilutions often used in homeopathy of St George’s University Hospitals position became untenable, funding for to have any biological effect. A range NHS Foundation Trust and other NHS his department dried up and he took of methods agree that succussion organisations. Interestingly in the early retirement. Thirteen years later he generates nanoparticles, micro-cavities context he had also been a member remains sore; in his latest book More and very high, but very localised of the Competition Commission. Harm than Good? he attacks the Prince and very transient temperatures and Smallwood was commissioned by the of Wales as “foolish and immoral”. pressures and that these in turn have Prince of Wales to prepare a report to Moving the goalposts structural effects on water. Twelve “take a fresh and independent look at independent research labs have the contribution which complementary I sometimes wonder why do they hate reported that homeopathic medicines therapies can potentially make to us so much? Why the wilful ignorance contain nanostructures, including of the mantra “there is no evidence for healthcare in the UK”. source material, silica nanoparticles homeopathy”? But certain respected The Smallwood report and gas. This does not prove that bodies have gone beyond simply homeopathy works, it does refute The conclusions of the Smallwood ignoring the evidence to actively the argument that it “does not work report were tentative but positive for distorting it. High profile reviews and because it cannot work” since it provides complementary medicine. They meta-analyses including that of Shang a potential mechanism of action. included the suggestion that CAM et al published in The Lancet in 2005, We must remain united, determined therapies might have an important which appeared almost simultaneously contribution to make for “effectiveness with The Times story (it is hard to and committed to science. gap” conditions (I am proud to have believe that was a coincidence), and Dr Peter Fisher minted the term “effectiveness gap”). the 2015 Australian NHMRC report have * www.magonia.com/files/smallwood- And that CAM treatments might have “dredged the data”. report.pdf the potential to make direct cost savings Data dredging is the inadmissible for the NHS or to deliver additional practice of selecting, post-hoc, a subset benefit to patients in a cost-effective of data to deliver a desired outcome. It way. The main recommendation of the is the scientific equivalent of moving report was that additional funds should the goalposts while the game is in be made available for research into the progress and the home side losing! Editor: John Burry cost effectiveness of complementary Shang et al and the NHMRC excluded Consultant Editor: Greg White medicine. 93% and 97% respectively of the A prepublication draft was circulated randomised clinical trial data. The effect Faculty of Homeopathy for comment with prominent warnings of excluding such a large proportion of CAN Mezzanine , 49-51 East Road that it was confidential and not to be the data was a negative conclusion. The London, N1 6AH Tel: 020 3640 5903 shared more widely (I can personally authors of both reports had previously E: [email protected] vouch for this, since I was one of those conducted more comprehensive W: www.facultyofhomeopathy.org asked to comment). Regrettably, Prof reviews whose results they have not All the material in this publication is copyright Ernst did precisely this, leaking it to revealed. This strongly suggests that and may not be reproduced without permission. The Times who used it as the basis they were aware that a fuller review The publishers do not necessarily identify with or hold themselves responsible for contributors’, of their lead story. The editor of The of the clinical evidence would have correspondents’ or advertisers’ opinions. Lancet, , certainly resulted in more positive conclusions. no friend of homeopathy, promptly Design: HMCA Services Scientific progress denounced Ernst for having “broken Printing: HMCA Services every professional code of scientific We must not allow such attacks to [email protected] behaviour”. cause us to retreat from science into

2 NEWS simile • February 2018 • The Faculty of Homeopathy NHS England faces legal challenge to its ‘fundamentally flawed’ consultation NHS England’s consultation that treatment because they have failed to consultation was not a genuine attempt resulted in the recommendation respond to conventional drugs or have to engage with patients, with NHS that homeopathy should not be suffered serious side-effects.” England appearing to have already routinely prescribed in primary care He also said it is surprising that a taken the decision to deprive patients is being challenged in the courts. review of individual medicines should of homeopathic care even before the The British Homeopathic Association include homeopathy, which is a clinical views of the public were sought. (BHA) is seeking a judicial review on discipline quite often only accessible Furthermore, it is the BHA’s view the basis that the consultation was through GP referral to doctors the consultation failed to take into fundamentally flawed from the outset. specialising in the therapy. proper consideration the evidence for Cristal Sumner, BHA chief executive, Central to the BHA’s case is the homeopathy’s clinical use or considered said the charity is making the legal argument that the proposal to the negative impact on patients challenge on behalf of the many withdraw homeopathy from routine and the NHS if it is removed from patients who receive homeopathy on prescribing was not formulated with prescribing. the NHS and find it beneficial to their input from any homeopathy experts or An online appeal to raise funds health. practitioners, and appeared to be based The Faculty of Homeopathy is solely on the discredited conclusions to help cover the BHA’s legal costs supporting the litigation and is listed of a House of Commons Science and received more than £18,000 in in court papers as an interested party. Technology Committee report from donations. Meanwhile, an online In a statement supporting the BHA, 2010. As a consequence, it is also the parliamentary petition in support of the Faculty’s chief executive, Greg BHA’s position that NHS England failed NHS homeopathy has attracted over White, said: “NHS England has failed to provide adequate information for 25,000 signatures. The petition closes to announce alternative treatment patients to give a considered and on 13 March 2018, so if you have not pathways for patients, many of whom informed response. already signed it, visit www.petition. are elderly and receiving homeopathic The BHA also believes the parliament.uk/petitions/200154 Glasgow centre recognised with national award

The NHS Glasgow Centre for Integrative Care (CIC) has won a prestigious national award for delivering excellent patient care. The multi-disciplinary team at the centre fought off stiff competition to win the much coveted Healthier Lifestyle category in the 2017 Scottish Health Awards. The award recognises the dedication and commitment of all the healthcare staff at the CIC in motivating and supporting people in their efforts to make changes in their lives to improve their health, enabling them to enjoy a more active and fulfilling life. In congratulating the winners John Brown, chairman of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “It is wonderful that our staff are recognised for their dedication and commitment to enhancing our services.” He went on to describe the CIC team as a “great example of the excellent work carried out every day by all NHS staff”. Every year, the Scottish Health Awards recognise and reward the dedicated NHS staff, Collecting the award for the CIC (L to R) Katrina Bissett, clinical nurse specialist; Dr Moira McGuigan; Stephanie support workers, volunteers and specialist teams Wilson, senior physiotherapist; Dr Jacqueline Mardon. who go the extra mile to provide outstanding patient care.

3 NEWS Winner of international Faculty forges closer links with history prize announced Spanish academy Doctors and vets in Spain will in future The winner Alice Kuzniar (second left) receives her prize have the opportunity of joining the Faculty of Homeopathy following the signing of an agreement with the Academia Medico Homeopatica de Barcelona (AMHB). The agreement allows members of these professions holding the Master de Homeopatia, gained through a teaching centre accredited by the European Committee of Homeopathy (ECH), to sit the Faculty of Homeopathy’s membership examination. Faculty chief executive, Greg White, says the signing of the agreement is another positive step in growing the Faculty’s international membership and its influence abroad. As for all international members, the professional qualifications held by Spanish doctors and vets must be recognised by the General Medical Council or the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Those wishing to sit MFHom exam must also be associate members of the Faculty. To ensure the Faculty maintains its reputation for excellence in The 2017 Hans Walz Award for research Since 2003 the Institute for the homeopathic education, the on the history of homeopathy has History of Medicine of the Robert examination papers will be set by been won by Alice Kuzniar for her Bosch Foundation has awarded the the Faculty and will be in English, book The Birth of Homeopathy out of international prize worth 1,500 Euros. although Catalan-English or Spanish- the Spirit of Romanticism. The prize is designed to promote English dictionaries may be used Ms Kuzniar is a lecturer in German outstanding research on the history of by the candidates. The examination and English language and culture at homeopathy and is open to anyone can be held in Catalan or Spanish the University of Waterloo in Canada. outside of the institute. if the examiners are fluent in these In her book she casts new light on The award is funded by the Hans languages. Where there are four the work of Walz Foundation which has been or more candidates sitting either by using her in-depth knowledge an integrative part of the Robert the MFHom or the MFHom(Vet), of romanticism to critically explore Bosch Foundation since 1985. Hans homeopathy against the intellectual Walz (1883-1974) worked closely with the examination will take place in background of the period when the Robert Bosch Sr and was for many Barcelona. Two external examiners therapy was first being developed. By years managing director of the Robert chosen by the Faculty will attend each adopting this innovative approach Ms Bosch Company and a trustee of examination along with two internal Kuzniar argues that Hahnemann was the Stuttgart Homeopathic Hospital. examiners from the AMHB. a product of his time rather than an Throughout his life he was committed, The AMHB was founded in 1890 iconoclast and visionary. professionally as well as personally, to and is an association made up of The book also features the first the advancement of homeopathy. doctors, pharmacists, dentists and English translations of many of The Birth of Homeopathy out of vets. Its objectives are the promotion Hahnemann’s unpublished writings, the Spirit of Romanticism is published of homeopathy and to facilitate including case journals and self- by Toronto University Press and education and further research into proovings. available from Amazon. homeopathic medicine.

4 NEWS simile • February 2018 • The Faculty of Homeopathy FDA review policy on homeopathic medicines

Homeopathic medicines in America distributed without FDA approval. manufactured in accordance with Good are to be subject to greater scrutiny by FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb Manufacturing Practice guidelines set the country’s Food and Drugs Authority said: “In many cases, people may by the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (FDA). be placing their trust and money in of the United States. The FDA proposes to target therapies that may bring little or no Concerns over some homeopathic products which they claim could pose benefit in combating serious ailments, medicines first came to light in early safety risks to the public. They will be or worse – may cause significant and 2017, when media reports suggested focussing on medicines containing even irreparable harm.” a particular brand of homeopathic potentially harmful ingredients or Even so, the agency says it would be teething tablets and gels were linked to being marketed as treatments for life impractical to require all homeopathic the deaths of ten children. Laboratory threatening diseases. Homeopathic medicines to meet full FDA approval, tests conducted by the FDA found medicines administered by injection or and that it has no desire to prevent some of these products to contain intended for vulnerable groups, such as consumers from continuing to use “elevated and inconsistent levels of children or the elderly, will in future also homeopathic products as part of their Belladonna” and they were withdrawn have to satisfy more stringent safety healthcare. But it says it will “go after” from the market. checks. products that might cause serious harm. While deploring any suffering Under US law homeopathic A statement issued by the National caused to patients by poorly medicines are required to comply Center for Homeopathy (NCH) said it manufactured homeopathic products, with the same safety standards as “supported the FDA’s efforts to ensure supporters of homeopathy say that conventional drugs. But in 1988, the safety and good manufacturing according to the Centers for Disease FDA adopted a policy of “enforcement practices in the industry”. The NCH also Control and Prevention, almost 17,000 discretion” where homeopathic highlighted the safety of homeopathic people died in America in 2016 from products could be manufactured and medicines when products are overdoses of prescription opioids.

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5 NEWS

Faculty president New threat to NHS homeopathy to stand down in the West Country Hardly had the new year begun President Dr Helen Beaumont is to stand when another threat to NHS down at the Faculty’s annual general homeopathy emerged, this time meeting in March. Dr Beaumont was elected in the west of England. In January to office after a closely fought election in 2014. it was announced that health Announcing her decision, Dr Beaumont bosses from North Somerset, said she has thoroughly enjoyed her time South Gloucestershire and Bristol in office despite the many challenges the are to review the commissioning Faculty and homeopathy face. of homeopathy services and “I feel immensely proud and privileged treatments as part of a cost-cutting to have represented the Faculty and its initiative. membership over the last four years,” she said. Currently patients can access “It’s been a time of great change, which homeopathy treatment on the has seen the Faculty successfully emerge as a NHS at the Portland Centre for fully independent organisation and I’d like to Integrative Medicine (PCIM), where thank our chief executive Greg White for all Faculty member Dr Elizabeth his hard work in helping achieve this.” Dr Elizabeth Thompson of the PCIM Thompson is the clinical lead. She went on to say how she has been Interviewed on BBC Radio impressed with the growing collaboration Bristol, Dr Thompson said: “In a way they [CCGs] are targeting the most within the homeopathic community, both vulnerable people who are chronically ill.” nationally and internationally. Another She explained how conventional medicine can’t always help everyone highlight for Dr Beaumont was the Belfast and how it is important to have choice for those patients who benefit from congress in 2016, which she describes as the the holistic approach offered at the PCIM. “For these patients,” she said, “it is “best ever”. really important they have this avenue of care.” “Finally,” she said, “I would like to thank A statement published by Bristol CCG says homeopathy has no clinical my fellow council members for the support value beyond and has “no evidence base”. In support of these claims they’ve given me throughout my presidency. the CCG cites the damaging conclusions from the now discredited 2010 The Faculty is fortunate to have so many House of Commons Science and Technology Committee’s evidence check in talented and committed individuals who homeopathy, together with the NHS England recommendation from last year give up their time for the benefit of our that CCGs should not fund homeopathy. This is despite the consultation, on organisation and its membership.” which NHS England based its guidance, being subject to a legal challenge. The Faculty’s long-standing vice- You can support NHS homeopathy by filling in the simple questionnaire president, Dr Elizabeth Thompson, is also at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r XKYTVD3 standing down. Responding to these departures from the Faculty’s ruling body, Greg White said: “I’d like to offer my personal thanks to Helen for her help and support, particularly when I first joined the Faculty 18 months ago. Don’t forget to join us in Liverpool Working with Helen has been a pleasure, and I’ve always valued her experience and for the wise counsel during a period when as an 2018 Faculty of Homeopathy Congress organisation we’ve had to make some difficult decisions.” He continued: “Liz Thompson is one of 11 – 14 October 2014 the council’s longest serving members and on behalf of the Faculty membership I’d Homeopathy – like to thank her for her commitment and contribution over many years.” connecting our global community Nominations for president and vice- president will be sought in the very near future. If there is more than one nomination Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Liverpool, UK for either position, then elections will be held. http://fohcongress2018.co.uk Details of how to nominate a candidate were announced via the Faculty’s website and e-news.

6 NEWS simile • February 2018 • The Faculty of Homeopathy Exam success in Bristol and London Robinson, Dr Indranil Sen, Dr Ramya Gnanasambandam and Dr Thendral Samarai Selvan. Doctors Paluri, Robinson and Sen all scored 80 per cent or above and achieved distinctions. All five candidates had studied through the Faculty’s accredited Fast Track course run by the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine. Furthermore, Dr Selvan and Dr Gnanasambandam both travelled to London from India to take the Fast Track course, highlighting the high esteem in which the Faculty’s training is held internationally. Dr Helen Beaumont, Faculty president, welcomed all the successful candidates. “This is the highest number L to R: Dr Sally Moorcroft, Dr Julie Geraghty (examiner) nurse Susan Greenfield, of new members to join the Faculty dentist Hester Degrae and Dr David Williams (examiner). in one month for a little while. I’d like to wish them all successful careers in At the beginning of December three congratulate all three candidates. As homeopathic medicine and a long candidates successfully sat the MFHom examiners we realise that healthcare association with the Faculty.” examination in Bristol. Representing professionals who have studied All three candidates from Bristol three clinical disciplines, Dr Sally homeopathy later in their careers will and three of the London candidates Moorcroft, nurse Susan Greenfield probably not have sat a major exam received bursaries through the Barcapel and dentist Hester Degrae are now for many years, with all the that Foundation, which provides financial all proud members of the Faculty of entails; so it is a great achievement – assistance to individuals connected Homeopathy. and no doubt relief – to pass. We wish to not-for-profit organisations Hester Degrae deserves special Sally, Susan and Hester very well as they working towards improving health or mention as she is the first dentist integrate homeopathy into their work.” promoting heritage and youth projects. to pass the new clinical MFHom for We can also report examination If you are interested in receiving a dentists. She is also only the second success in London, where five doctors Barcapel bursary, please contact the dentist to pass the MFHom(Dent). passed their MFHom just before Faculty’s membership and education Dr Julie Geraghty, the Faculty’s Christmas. The successful candidates officer Lisa Peacock at lpeacock@ medical dean, said: “I’d like to were Dr Srinivasa Paluri, Dr Jessica facultyofhomeopathy.org

Faculty members debate whether CAM threatens public health Last autumn, Faculty members Dr Russell Malcolm and Dr have become all too familiar with. Dr Malcolm responded Rajendra Sharma took the fight for homeopathy into the by examining what constitutes a threat to public health and very heartland of the sceptic movement. They were invited outlining the limitations of the “evidence base”. to speak in a debate on complementary medicine at Exeter The second proposer, Luke Smith, concentrated on the University, where Prof Edzard Ernst, one of the therapy’s most improbability of CAM models and chose to concentrate his implacable foes, was once Chair in Complementary Medicine. criticism on the precepts for homeopathy. He was followed Exeter University’s debating society proposed the motion by Dr Sharma who discussed the precept “Let food be thy that complementary medicine poses a threat to public medicine”. Essentially he examined the question of whether health. Supporting the proposition were Professor Wendy synthetic medicinal substances had a place in human healing Reid, Director of Medical Education and Quality for Health in the absence of normalisation and naturalisation of the Education England, and Luke Smith, a final year biochemistry patient’s daily regimen. student and president of the Exeter branch of Humanists UK. When the debate was opened to the floor, the The proceedings opened with a pre-debate vote which propositions were examined from various angles in a lively showed a small but equal level of support for both sides of question and answer session. When the final vote was taken, the argument, with the majority of the audience abstaining. Dr Malcolm and Dr Sharma were victorious by a good majority. Professor Reid then opened the debate, focussing principally Read Dr Malcolm’s deconstruct of his opponents on the issue of evidence and medical science, which we arguments on page 9.

7 NEWS

Nobel prize-winning scientist to speak in London World renowned virologist and Nobel laureate Professor Luc Montagnier will be visiting the UK later this year to discuss his ground-breaking research into the properties of water. Professor Montagnier was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2008 for discovering HIV. The French scientist has since become a leading authority in water research, and when interviewed in 2010 is reported to have said: “High dilutions of something are not nothing, they are water structures which mimic the original molecules. It’s not . It’s not . These are real phenomena which deserve further study.” He will be revealing the results of his latest research at the Royal Society of Medicine in London on Saturday 14 July 2018. Also speaking at the event are two other high profile scientists from this field of research: Dr Gerald Pollack from the University of Washington and Professor Alexander Konovalov from the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dr Pollack is a professor in bioengineering and an expert in water science who discovered the fourth phase of water known as EZ water; while Professor Konovalov has conducted independent research on high dilutions that could provide a better scientific understanding of homeopathy. This exciting scientific event is being organised by Faculty licentiate member Ken Ward-Atherton. Professor Luc Montagnier Members can get further information by emailing [email protected]

Huge response to Charity Commission review Feedback from the Charity Commission’s not about whether complementary placed to provide accurate information public consultation on whether therapies and medicines are “good” or about the therapies. The Faculty also organisations promoting complementary “bad”, but about what level of evidence made the point that it is inappropriate therapies should retain charitable the commission should require for a registered charity, namely The status has been released. The Charity when making assessments about an , to use the Commission launched its review in organisation’s charitable status. Charity Commission to try to dictate March 2017 following pressure from This will confuse supporters of what therapies are available to the the anti-homeopathy group The Good charities promoting the benefits of public, many of which are prescribed by Thinking Society. complementary medicine, for when doctors and nurses. Such a move would In its statement the commission said the commission launched its public restrict patient freedom of choice and it received over 670 written responses, consultation it said it was not seeking limit the clinical freedom of statutorily far in excess of the number they usually to review the evidence. In fact, the regulated healthcare professionals. receive for a consultation. The majority consultation has attracted criticism from Once all the responses have been of responses were from individuals but people complaining that contrary to assessed the results, along with other submissions were also received from the commission’s stated intention, all the information relating to the legal over 100 organisations. Owing to this questions focussed on the evidence. framework governing charitable exceptionally high level of engagement, Although the Faculty of status, will determine whether the the commission says it is taking longer Homeopathy does not have charitable commission’s current policy towards than initially anticipated to analyse all status, it submitted a response complementary therapies needs to the responses. supporting charities promoting be changed and if so, what changes The commission says its review is homeopathy as it believes they are best should be made.

8 VIEW POINT simile • February 2018 • The Faculty of Homeopathy Dismantling the opposition with no intrinsic healing capability is occurring in the world today, Dr Russell Malcolm on the open market; a drug which is underpinned by irrational, ideological deconstructs the widely used on the advice of healthcare and religious pretexts. However, today’s professionals in direct contradiction of so-called humanists have replaced their arguments of Prof the clinical evidence for antipyretics in old values of tolerance and persuasion Wendy Reid and Luke fever. with the idea that you can borrow When it is revealed how much the scientific models and use them as an Smith that he and NHS spends on patients suffering side- intellectual stick to defeat superstition Faculty colleague effects from, so-called, evidence-based and irrationality. At the root of these medicine, the financial argument for new “values” is the belief that science Dr Rajendra Sharma ceasing the funding of homeopathy has a monopoly on truth. faced in a debate and other complementary therapies This is naïve in the extreme. falls apart. It is also clear that using a Never more so when you target on complementary disingenuous academic argument experiential and heuristic areas of medicine at Exeter to decommission safe, individualised human endeavour, using schoolboy treatments that facilitate positive materialism and Newtonianism in an University. responses in patients is mean-spirited attempt to debunk those engaged in n the seventeenth century, the and consigns patients to unnecessary a lifelong empirical study of complex, suffering and loss of personal choice. Thomas Sydenham began contextualised, living phenomena. Professor Reid’s arguments to categorise diseases, rationalise These materialist-rationalists will of I were politicking rather than closely course point out that truths are verified interventions and collate outcomes. This has served medicine well overall. responsive to real human concerns. by the fact that scientific models can Today, the evidence base for simple The trappings of status and implied be demonstrated to work. Strangely, comparisons between Therapy A, clinical superiority are not enough they are prepared to conflate a scientific versus Therapy B, in a highly definable to deconstruct homeopathy in model with the notion of truth, even condition with straightforward outcome a debate with practitioners who when the scientific model for every measures, is one thing; while the have dedicated their life to its study “reality” ultimately breaks down within “evidence base” for complex interventions and the direct care of patients. Her the modelling framework of another in multi-system disease is quite another. entirely uncompromising diatribe observed phenomenon. The great error of medico-politicians smacked of absolutism – a one-sided Automated healthcare is to believe that they can conflate two argument more suited to persuading entirely different scientific challenges, an accountant, politician or marketing By extension, today’s humanist appears at just one moment in history, and group, but in the final analysis did not to be suggesting that every part of the make value-judgements concerning convince an intelligent and reflective “living machine”, including thought the legitimacy of facilitatory and multi- audience, some of whom related and consciousness, will one day be faceted treatments like homeopathy. their own experience of how they modelled. The rational extension of True to form, the anti-homeopathy had exhausted orthodox treatment materialist ideology in medicine is to voices trotted out the usual buzz-words options or had suffered at the hands of imagine that, ultimately, the patient concerning scientific evidence, but “evidence-constrained medicine” and should plug him/herself into an always in the absence of any real depth had found CAM beneficial. enormous automated medical test-kit, of study. These mantras serve only to Inhuman humanists underpinned by a huge clinical data-set obscure how opaque the evidence base and allow a super-computer to model Luke Smith’s arguments were is for many established practices and their suffering, define the solutions and considerably more challenging, partly treatments in modern clinical medicine. direct a robot to deliver the surgery and because they attempted to undermine drugs, based on the “evidence”. Double standards the precepts for homeopathy and CAM. Where exactly does that leave a To illustrate how the industry abuses I have previously argued this issue with patient that Faculty members might the evidence base and how double a member of the Humanist movement recognise as requiring homeopathic standards pervade the whole issue, we in a live television debate. Ignatia. Someone experiencing need only to consider over-the-counter Examining the prevailing ethos of functional dyspepsia and dysphagia, (OTC) Paracetamol. Any complementary the modern humanist movement, it is who is alone and isolated in their grief, medicine that killed 200 people every clear that as a group of thinkers they someone for whom the human ear, year, as paracetamol does, would not are no longer engaged in thoughtful human eye and human touch is not last five minutes as an OTC medicine. dialectic, but have become radicalised merely a sensor, but the final arbiter of It’s only the commercial power of the and intolerant. pharmaceutical industry and financial It is not difficult to see how this meaning and human understanding. interests which keep a dangerous drug may have come about. Terrible conflict Dr Russell Malcolm

9 Faculty of Homeopathy Annual review 2017

and often frustrating, but it is Let us hope the law can succeed President’s important we continue to put in reversing NHS England’s the case for greater integration ill-informed and short-sighted report of homeopathy into modern decision. medical practice. Over the past So as not to give my eventual twelve months, the Faculty has successor the impression that once again been prominent the president’s role is something in defending the therapy and of a poisoned chalice, I’m the clinical freedom of its pleased to report on several members to practise according more positive developments to their training and experience. from the last 12 months. In addition to the detailed In June last year, I attended submissions we make to various the Homeopathy Research consultations, members have Institute’s conference on the appeared in print and on radio beautiful Mediterranean island of to counter the misinformation Malta. This biennial conference frequently promulgated by our has become a not-to-be-missed opponents through the media. event, as it provides a forum for ost of you will know by The Faculty is also named as many of the leading researchers now that I’m stepping an interested party in the British in homeopathy to present and down as president at Homeopathic Association’s discuss their important work. M The array of clinical and basic the Faculty’s AGM in March. (BHA) legal challenge to NHS Although I have enjoyed my England’s consultation on research that is presented is truly time as Faculty president, my removing homeopathy from inspiring. four years in office seem to primary care prescribing. At the The very complexity of have been beset by one major time of writing we are awaiting these research programmes challenge after another, as our the court’s decision on whether mean it will be awhile before opponents have intensified there are sufficient grounds any confident conclusions can their attacks on homeopathy in for a judicial review. The firm be drawn. Nevertheless, many general and NHS homeopathy in of solicitors engaged by the of the early results from studies particular. BHA has represented many focussing on the homeopathic 2017 has been no of the UK’s leading charities treatment of specific conditions different, with NHS England and is vastly experienced in and into homeopathy’s method recommending GPs stop cases involving public sector of action are very encouraging, prescribing homeopathy and and regulatory bodies. Having and will hopefully provide a the Royal College of Veterinary reviewed the BHA’s arguments in basis for further research that Surgeons (RCVS) issuing a considerable detail, the solicitors will eventually confound and new position statement on agreed that NHS England’s silence our critics. complementary therapies, consultation was fundamentally I’m also pleased to announce which many have interpreted flawed and, among other that 2017 saw the highest as a thinly veiled attack on the things, has not taken into proper number of successful MFHom professional competence of consideration the evidence candidates for a number of our homeopathic veterinary for homeopathy’s use nor years. I’d like to congratulate all colleagues. considered the negative impact those members who joined the Responding to these on patients and the NHS if the Faculty over the last 12 months challenges is time consuming therapy is no longer available. and thank the teaching staff

10 simile • February 2018 • The Faculty of Homeopathy Annual review 2017 who work so hard to help our support during my presidency. have crossed the desk this students achieve academic Also, a special mention to our year. In the spring, the Charity success. chief executive, Greg White, and Commission launched a One of the most pleasurable his small team of staff, for they consultation on complementary aspects of being president is take on a huge amount of work and alternative medicines meeting so many more Faculty for the benefit of us all and do a (CAM), by which detractors members than I would have had wonderful job. are seeking to change the I not been elected. It’s reassuring Finally, I would like to wish commission’s policy towards to hear from those members all members continued success bestowing charitable status on who are in private practice that in their homeopathic careers. organisations which promote despite the constant attacks on Through homeopathy we are CAM therapies. Change in this our profession, their patient lists improving the health and lives area could have implications for are steadily growing. This is clear of many people, often quite the charitable support provided indication there is a demand dramatically. And we should by organisations such as the from the public for a more always remember that fact and British Homeopathic Association holistic approach to healthcare be proud to be homeopaths and the Blackie Foundation and that they are more than and of the work we are doing. Trust. It is a tribute to the energy happy to consider homeopathy and activism of our community Dr Helen Beaumont as part of that approach. And that the Charity Commission President of Faculty while we continue to fight for received over 670 responses, the future of NHS homeopathy, an unprecedented amount it is good to know that should of feedback for one of their misguided health service bosses Chief consultations. Consequently, any eventually make it impossible Executive’s decision from the review has to deliver publicly funded been deferred to later this year. homeopathic care, there are report Spring 2017 also saw a short opportunities in the private his has been another consultation by the London sector. eventful year for Borough of Enfield Health Establishing a private Thomeopathy and the Commissioning Board and practice can seem daunting. Faculty. Much has been NHS Enfield CCG governing But the Faculty has a large accomplished but more work body, which recommended number of members who decommissioning of can offer advice, including homeopathic services in Enfield the independent practice and four other London boroughs. representative, Dr Jonathan And during the summer, CCGs Hardy. And the excellent series from Bristol, North Somerset of articles under the title of and South Gloucestershire Notes from a Small Practice attempted to run a snap by Dr Margaret Reid that consultation during the holiday appeared in simile throughout period on the “future provision 2017 provided a wonderful of homeopathic services”, introduction to successfully including those provided practising homeopathy outside by the Portland Centre for the NHS. Integrative Medicine. They were I feel very honoured to emboldened by NHS England have led this organisation for announcing at the same time the past four years. It has been that it was to conduct a national challenging but also immensely remains to be done in 2018 consultation on items which enjoyable. It would, however, be and beyond. It is inescapable should not routinely prescribed an impossible role without the that much of our work has in primary (and secondary) care, advice and help from others. So involved pushing back against which included homeopathy I’d like to take this opportunity the pressure brought to bear and . to thank my colleagues on on homeopathy by groups of In Bristol the threat of legal the Faculty council, past and detractors. action halted the review process. present, for their wonderful A series of “consultations” At national level, however, NHS

11 Annual review 2017

England has issued guidance to partnerships. The relationship more user-friendly for Faculty GPs and CCGs that homeopathy with Thieme is already paying members who are relinquishing should no longer be prescribed dividends with a significant their licence to practice one and is recommending that the new partnership forming in the of the conventional medical Department of Health consider United States (check simile for disciplines, but still practising blacklisting homeopathic more news in due course). A as homeopaths. Broadening medicines. The gravity of this partnership agreement has also our community’s appeal is of situation is such that the Faculty been signed with the Academia course an important element in has joined legal action led Medico Homeopatica de ensuring the Faculty’s long-term by the British Homeopathic Barcelona in Cataluña, Spain. future. The Faculty receives Association (BHA). Real thanks The importance of the requests for membership from should be extended to all the Faculty’s journal to the wider credible, like-minded supporters Faculty’s members who have homeopathic community is including psychologists, been kind enough to support highlighted by news its Impact psychiatrists, dieticians, overseas the crowdfunding campaign to Factor increased in June, clinicians and homeopaths, defray the legal costs incurred. cementing its status as the academics, researchers, etc., and I look forward to reporting on only Medline/PubMed indexed we must consider supporting this legal challenge in simile homeopathic publication in their joining aspirations. throughout 2018. the world. Further evidence In the same vein, we are keen With so much flak coming of Homeopathy’s value can to see continued growth of the our way, members can be be seen in the 100,000 plus Faculty’s revalidation services. forgiven for feeling a little individual downloads it achieved Led by Dr David Owen, these despondent. But without in 2016-2017. services have been recognised diminishing the significance of by the GMC which is keen the challenges we face, much for them to be extended to has been achieved in 2017 and It is a tribute colleagues working, for example, there are good reasons for to the energy in functional medicine and/or optimism moving forward. environmental medicine via the Faculty council approved a and activism of Suitable Person route in 2018. new three-year strategic plan So 2018 looks like being in the summer for growing our community another eventful year. The our community of healthcare current difficulties faced by professionals. Forging that the Charity veterinary colleagues are international partnerships using sure to be a recurring theme Homeopathy, the members’ Commission and I will be working with journal, is one key element to veterinary dean Peter Gregory achieving this. received over 670 and BAHVS colleagues in their Homeopathy successfully campaign to get the Royal moved to a new publisher in responses, an College of Veterinary Surgeons 2017 with Thieme Verlag of unprecedented to reconsider their new position Germany taking over publishing statement on complementary responsibilities. This project amount of therapies. Then we have the was a significant piece of work Faculty Congress (the 98th) in which could not have been feedback for Liverpool in October, which accomplished without a real will underscore the Faculty’s team effort from all concerned, one of their international and multi- led by the Journal’s editor-in- consultations. disciplinary character. But above chief Dr Peter Fisher and deputy all I look forward to working editor Dr Robert Mathie. Thieme with council to improving the has offices on every continent Another key theme going and were, in part, chosen for forward is broadening the Faculty membership experience their ability to use the journal to Faculty’s appeal by reviewing for you all. deliver the Faculty’s objective of our membership eligibility Greg White developing new international criteria. We must become Chief Executive

12 CASE STUDY simile • February 2018 • The Faculty of Homeopathy Photo:Shutterstock/Elena Yakusheva

Pulled down, held down, trapped!

A case of Castoreum When I got off the plane I didn’t realise Why? how ill I was. And my husband is not P: It’s like burning into my chest, it’s canadense from very good at saying, “You need to go to really very strong. Dr Jonathan Hardy. a doctor.” When I got to the emergency I crave warmth. I feel cold to the services I was really asthmatic, my bone. The winter is bad for me, I’m he patient (P) is a woman aged 55, inhalers weren’t helping, I couldn’t always bad in the winter and I have this whose chief complaint is asthma. breathe. I was petrified I might not be craving for warmth. I put a scarf around She also suffers from irritable T able to breathe. my neck or a wrap on me. I do that all bowel syndrome, obesity, osteopenia Last year I struggled with an the time. and hypothyroidism. Her current infected chest the whole time. I had medications are albuterol sulfate inhaler, green muck coming out of my chest Why? beclomethasone inhaler, metformin the whole time. My nose was blocked P: I’m just cold, really deep cold. (She and levothyroxine. the whole time. wraps her arms around herself.) Cold P: I feel I haven’t filled out the form Then I had a very bad asthmatic to the bones – really, really deep cold! properly. That’s because it could go on attack and my peak flow was 230. I I feel this need to feel warm, really forever. I would say I’ve always been ill. don’t feel my asthma is managed at all. deeply. (Again she wraps her arms around I know I sound like a hypochondriac. Now I can’t exercise. I used to exercise her chest.) (She seems anxious. She started talking sometimes twice a day, now just (Later in the consultation.) before she sat down and has not removed walking up the stairs I’m out of breath. her coat. So I say to her to let me just read I feel like a 90-year-old woman. I’m very P: I’m a giving person – I give, give, through her form before we begin.) sensitive to cigarette smoke. If I just give! I try to be kind to people and I P: I was brought up in a warm walk past somebody who has been put other people first, but at home country. From the chest point of view I smoking it’s like I’m being stabbed my younger sisters used to bully me. I feel I need to dry out. A while ago I got inside. It’s really tightening in my chest. couldn’t stand up for myself and they pneumonia again, I find now that I’m were always pushing me around. My What happens if you walk past a worse in the winter. We went away to father hit me – he used to beat me up. smoker? Bermuda and I felt better – again it was Tell me more about being bullied. the warmth. Warmth helps me fight P: I have to put my hands over my face. off anything that’s potentially brewing. (She puts her hands over her mouth.) P: I was bullied at school, my siblings

13 CASE STUDY bullied me, and they used to mock. escape the situation (she repeats the P: Furry. Warm. Cozy. Demonstrative. In our family whoever shouted the gesture of her arms going outwards) Loving. loudest won. but I don’t have the courage to. As a Do you have any strong feelings child I remember running away from What did they do? about particular animals? home and not knowing where to go. P: They were just unkind and my I really am crying out for help for love, P: When we were talking about it I was parents … my father was never affection. Crying out for help! just thinking of a rabbit or a mouse – involved in our upbringing and my something that’s furry. mother was coping with everything, Analysis Analysis and she just allowed them to behave Prey animal: Helpless; submissive; that way and allowed my father to running away; I need to escape; crying Mammal themes: Furry; Warm; Cozy; hit me. One day he broke my nose. I out for help Demonstrative; Loving blame her as much as him because she Mammal: I want love, affection At this point the consultation had lasted allowed it to happen and then tried an hour and a half. There were very clear P: My husband is lovely but he’s a cold to blackmail me to not say anything. I indications for an animal which was a person. He’s not very demonstrative so I was told that we’d be made homeless mammal and a prey creature. However, have frustration in that relationship. He’s if I made it public. It was so controlling; beyond that there were no solid clues of so black and white, it doesn’t help me. I feel that people have always been any kind. (Usually when a patient names He is controlling. trying to control me. (She does a hand a creature it is not their remedy.) So I gesture with her hands coming in together When someone is controlling what decided to choose a remedy which on both sides – a squeezing kind of gesture.) is the effect it has on you? I knew was not the simillimum but Describe this (I copy the gesture.) P: It makes me feel vulnerable. would be a similar remedy which P: Claustrophobic. covered at least a significant part of her Describe vulnerable. case. I took the following rubrics: Just talk about this – controlling, P: Vulnerable… feeling left! Potentially claustrophobic. Generalities; tobacco; aggravates; smell, I could be left and I wouldn’t have the odour of (18) P: There are times when I just get into strength to cope with that. Again, it’s the car and drive because I just want to feeling unloved, not wanted. He’s done Respiration; asthmatic; excitement, go. (She does an opposite gesture with her that in the past. To make me submissive emotional, aggravates (47) arms spreading outwards.) he’s said “Right! I’m going to leave you!” Mind; fear; suffocation, of (83) I know he’s that kind of person – he’s Let’s go back to that again. Don’t Mind; sadness; respiratory complaints, so black and white – he would never worry if you’re repeating yourself. in (15) Just talk again about being apologise. He doesn’t apologise. So it’s The remedy that comes first is controlled and claustrophobic. that feeling of being vulnerable. Again, it’s a feeling like being a little, maybe, Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco). P: Just a feeling of needing to escape, a little child or a mouse. (She does a Lobelia Inflata to leave, feeling helpless. And I feel gesture of hunching up with her arms that by coming back I’m having to around her chest.) Vermeulen: Psychogenic Dyspnoea; be submissive again and I feel I have Chilly; Tobacco: aversion and to apologise even though I don’t Say more about that feeling like a aggravates; Asthmatic attacks mouse, like a child. necessarily feel I’m wrong, but I feel I have Phatak : Constriction or oppressive to keep the peace, to keep the family P: Feeling timid and again feeling I fullness in chest together. It’s a feeling I don’t count, I don’t count. feel like I’m at the bottom of the pile. Murphy: Panting; threatened with Like a little mouse – just describe suffocation; fear of death Case analysis at this stage that more. Mangialavori’s additions: Mind: Animal themes: bullied, mocked; P: Timid. (She repeats the gesture of Hypochondriasis; Respiration: asthmatic: whoever shouted loudest won; my wrapping her arms around herself.) Insular exertion; after: slight; Respiration: father hit me – wanting to hide. asthmatic: nervous; Respiration: Prey animal themes: I need to Analysis difficult: excitement aggravates escape; submissive; bottom of the pile Animal themes: He is controlling; Prescription: Lobelia inflata 200 x Mammal expressions: I feel cold I feel vulnerable; I don’t have the 1 dose to the bones; I need warmth; I feel strength to cope with that Follow up at three week s helpless Mammal: He’s cold; unloved; not How are you getting on? P: It’s like feeling helpless … I feel if I wanted; I feel like a mouse stay I’m being … not physically abused, P: From last time I think I feel better. I’ve Prey animal: I feel timid; I want to hide it’s going back to that feeling of my only had one asthmatic episode when father hitting me and being submissive Think about animals – what comes to somebody was smoking, but it wasn’t and leaving is my way of trying to mind when you think about animals? so intense. It was uncomfortable.

14 Was there any immediate reaction Prey animal: I’m avoiding coming towards her chest)…in all this being after that dose I gave you? confrontation; I’m not strong enough directed at me. I can’t deal with it. I don’t P: In the first week my asthma was quite Peculiar expression: I’m saturated want to deal with it, I’ve had enough. So bad but now the breathing is better at then I got a text from her saying … night. I’ve lost that wheeziness. I’m Just describe this experience of breathing much better through my nose. drowning and suffocating. (I copy Now I can close my mouth and breathe. her gesture of arms towards her chest.) If you were scoring your It feels like I’m under At this moment there was a remarkable improvement overall on a scale of shift in the expressions she used. She went 0 to 10, where would you score it? water. I’m panicking, into imagery which was clearly coming P: I would say three or four. trying to get up for from a very deep subconscious level of her experience. And it spoke very clearly of the Overall is this the best you’ve felt air… to breathe. It’s source of her remedy. for a while? all that suffocating. P: It feels like I’m under water. I’m P: Yes definitely. panicking, trying to get up for air … How far back would you go? Suffocating! It’s (her hands are now moving as if she’s paddling upwards) … to breathe. It’s P: Eighteen months, maybe longer. suffocating with all this all that suffocating. Suffocating! It’s Assessment being thrown at me, I suffocating with all this being thrown This is a typical response from a similar at me, I can’t … I don’t want to deal remedy: a worthwhile improvement, can’t … I don’t want to with it any longer. I can’t deal with it any especially at a physical level, but no deal with it any longer. longer. significant shift in her inner-being. Over Analysis the next few months her breathing was I can’t deal with it any quite a lot better. But emotionally there Prey animal: I feel got at; hit, was no significant improvement: she longer. bombarded, pelted; I can’t take it any continued to complain of her treatment longer; I’ve had enough by family members and others, and was Peculiar expressions: I’m drowning; clearly no happier in herself than before I’m under water; I’m trying to get up for starting treatment. air P: I’m trying to come up for air and with Follow up at 11 months the situation with my sister. She was P: And I just feel it’s not being selfish, P: My daughter was very abusive to bullying me – she was going on and it’s self-preservation. I can’t deal with it. me recently. She swears. I’m her punch on at me and I was thinking to myself: (Hand gesture: palms pushing away.) It’s ball. I wasn’t controlled – I lost it. At “I really can’t deal with this.” In the end making a choice, saying “No more!”(She the moment I think I’m so … saturated I just put the phone down. She rang repeats the gesture.) with dealing with stuff that I can’t deal back and I didn’t pick up the phone Describe this more – you’re under with confrontation at all. The way I’m because there’s all this aggression and water trying to get up for air. dealing with it at the moment is that shouting at you (she does a hand gesture P: Visually it feels panic, gasping for air, I’m either hanging up – putting the with her hand vigorously moving in a trying to fight. phone down – or I’m defensive and grabbing gesture.) She was using me … aggressive which I don’t like but I feel sounding off at me. I feel like I’m fighting for breath, fighting to get up. (She’s looking out of control. So at the moment I’m How does this make you feel – avoiding confrontations because I don’t desperately upwards, straight upwards when she’s like that to you? (I copy with her hands paddling fast.) I’m trying feel strong enough to be able to absorb her hand gesture.) any more. I feel completely saturated to get my head above water to breath, dealing with stuff. And I had another P: I feel like I’m being got at, it’s being that’s what it feels like and it feels like situation – obviously I attract it all – hit. (She repeats the gesture.) Not a gun, I’m being held down by weights. (Now with the gardener. I’ve been avoiding it’s a feeling of being bombarded the she does a strong movement with both the confrontation and I don’t get whole time, being pelted the whole hands pulling down.) Visually I feel support from my husband. He expects time. That’s why I feel like I’ve got to a this panic (she paddles desperately me to deal with all these things, he stage where I’m saturated. I can’t take it upwards) and I feel like I’m being pulled doesn’t help with the situation with the any longer. It’s like “Enough!” Now I’m down, held down. (She pulls her arms children and he didn’t help with this just shutting down, I’m trying to walk down vigorously with her hands clasped situation with the gardener. away. (She does a hand gesture with her together.) I feel I’m trapped, it’s like a palms pushing away). panic attack, I’m feeling I can’t get there. Analysis I can’t deal with this! I’m completely Will I make it? Will I get there? I won’t Animal: She’s abusive; I’m defensive, …I’m suffocating… I’m drowning in all this be able to make it! (She’s distressed now, aggressive …(she does a vigorous gesture of her hands near tears.)

15 CASE STUDY

Very good! Just describe that get my head above water”; “I’m being of the animal trapped in this way. more. Pulled down, held down, held down by weights”; “I’m being Looking at the provings of many other trapped! pulled down”; “Someone’s holding my animal remedies and case studies it is P: It’s a feeling that it’s the end of foot”; “It’s a weight on me”. clear that the manner in which animals your life, you can’t breathe, gasping. At this point, with a sense of shock, are treated by mankind contributes a Gasping for breath! It feels someone I realised what she is describing. significant proportion of the material is holding on to me (again the gesture She’s describing the experience of an which comes through in a proving. with both hands together as if clasping animal caught in a leg trap. Beavers something) and pulling down. My foot are trapped in this way. A spring trap So does the materia medica that – interestingly it’s my right foot, maybe crushes the foot and grips it, but the we have for the beaver fit the case? because that’s the one I broke – it’s trap is also attached to weights. The Castoreum canadense (Beaver like a weight on me. Visually it feels beaver is unable to swim strongly secretion) something is holding onto my ankle. enough to get up to the surface because Both beaver sexes have a pair of castor (She pulls downwards with her the weight is too heavy. So the animal hand.) It’s stopping me from trying drowns. I was aware that this was an old sacs and a pair of anal glands, located to get away, to get up. It feels like I’m form of trap used in the 17th and 18th in two cavities under the skin between drowning. I’m drowning. That’s what it centuries in North America, but to my the pelvis and the base of the tail. is! I can’t get up to breathe! I want to horror I discovered that this kind of trap Castoreum is a yellowish secretion of escape, to swim away. I’m being held is still widely used today. It is a hideously the castor sac. Beavers use castoreum back. (She repeats the gesture of her hand in combination with urine to scent pulling downwards.) cruel method of catching an animal. It is remarkable how when the patient mark territory. Castoreum is used as a Analysis went into her description of this state, tincture in some perfumes and as a Peculiar expressions: “I’m trying to she described exactly the experience food additive.

North American beaver (Castor canadensis)

16 simile • February 2018 • The Faculty of Homeopathy

Murphy’s material medica: P: Better, the coughing is better. Before bully me. I said to someone recently Hysterical individuals; Nervous attacks; when I was coughing I was bringing “You do not talk to me like that!” Worse: Emotions. Cold. up lots of mucus – now it’s few and far Something else happened recently Mangialavori’s additions: Fear: between. My chest is noticeably better. which would never have happened panic attacks, overpowering Comment in the past. We open our garden for charity. I always regret it. It would be so Similar remedies: Ambra grisea; This is the kind of reaction we get from much easier to just write a cheque. So Ignatia; Moschus; Valeriana. a simillimum: a dramatic shift not just much work is involved getting it right. Prescription: Castoreum Canadense physically but also on a psychological We were talking about the canapes 200 – 1 dose level. It is remarkable how quickly the and somebody said, “I’ll bring the same change can take place and in this case ones as last year.” I couldn’t believe it One week later without any sign of aggravation or when I said, “Julia, I hope you don’t P: I’m a new person. Compared to a healing crisis. That is probably because mind but I’m going to be very blunt – week ago I’m completely different. the potency is exactly right. The Lobelia nobody enjoyed them last time!” And I Previously where I felt dead and was nevertheless an important part of thought to myself, “I can’t believe I said drowning inside I feel like a different her treatment: it addressed in particular that!” But I knew, like last time, we were person. I feel rejuvenated. This week the sensitivity to tobacco smoke going to be left with 80 of these things, I was in a situation where someone but also probably shifted her vitality which no one ate because they were was being a bully, but I dealt with sufficiently to enable her to make a so disgusting. I have never ever done it. Whereas before I was tearful and bigger step towards health later. anything like that in my life. I said it in a emotional, I didn’t get upset or nice way but I hope I’m not becoming emotional. Which is a first for a long, a monster. long time … well for as long as I can I’m not allowing myself to be the remember! And I just had a situation victim. I’m not being horrible about with my daughter on the phone. She things. I’m voicing my opinion, I’m was being difficult, as usual. But she Before I was engulfed, standing up for myself, I’m not allowing actually apologised which she’s never people to bully me. I’m not allowing done before. She actually wrote to me drowning, and myself to be the victim, I’m making and apologised! I said, “Thank you – it’s emotionally I felt dead. my point. I’m not being horrible about not the worst you’ve been.” it; I’m just stating the facts from my I feel tranquil, positive and interestingly Now I feel rejuvenated, perspective. this week my body has lost weight even though I’ve done nothing about how I I don’t have that How is your breathing? eat; my body has naturally lost weight. empty dead feeling. P: Absolutely fine. I’m completely off my Even my husband noticed! It feels like inhalers. No asthma. I dropped it down my body is more active as in physically. It’s that extreme – the and then I haven’t been taking it at all. I feel energised and in control. I feel I’m not thinking. I feel great, I feel good. difference in a week. Comment Say about not thinking. Actually, less than a It is very significant that she is saying these things. When people have been P: Before I was engulfed, drowning, week – it was instant. in the victim state of an animal remedy and emotionally I felt dead. Now I feel and they receive this simillimum, then rejuvenated, I don’t have that empty almost invariably they will start standing dead feeling. It’s that extreme – the up for themselves in a way that they difference in a week. Actually, less than were incapable of before. In fact, this is a week – it was instant. And someone an essential part of the healing process. was being a bully. I felt annoyed and I Four months later They will say things like, “I’m not putting confronted it, I wasn’t going to allow P: I’ve been feeling amazing. My GP up with it anymore! I’m standing up for myself to be bullied by her. And when said to drop my inhaler down to just myself! I’m not backing down!” I went home I sort of cleansed myself. once a day. I feel energised, really good. Also the dramatic improvement, I felt “Go away!” (She does a gesture In the past – it sounds awful – I craved remembering that when she first came with her hands pushing away.) “I’m not a glass of wine to get through. Now I’ve going to allow this.” for treatment she was unable to climb just stopped drinking and it’s not been stairs without being breathless and And that feeling of drowning, a big deal. That’s really nice. having severe asthma attacks, chest suffocating, underwater, being Six months later infections and episodes of pneumonia. pulled down? She remains well. P: I feel good. People are noticing – I P: No, not at all, all gone. seem very chilled. People can see a Dr Jonathan Hardy And how is your breathing? difference. I’m not allowing people to [email protected]

1715 WHAT’S ON

The Faculty of Homeopathy AGM

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the 73rd session of the Faculty of Homeopathy will take place on Thursday 15 March 2018. The venue is the Thistle Kingsley Hotel, Bloomsbury Way, London, WC1A 2SD. A reception will be held at 5pm before the AGM begins at 6pm. The Richard Hughes Memorial Lecture will follow the AGM. All members are welcome. Please RSVP to [email protected] or call 020 3640 5903 ext. 1003.

Homeopathy for Healthcare Professionals in Dundee 2018 JOIN US! Available for the first time in Dundee, accredited training courses for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, As part of our Diploma in Integrative Medicine, the Portland dentists, clinical medical and nursing students and Centre for Integrative Medicine is hosting a series of Open professions allied to medicine. Clinical Days in collaboration with the College of Medicine. These events are open to healthcare professionals including A new flexible learning programme complementary therapists who are interested in a broader (on-line and classroom). approach to healthcare. Each event is worth 7 hours CPD. INTRODUCTORY COURSE - Taught Sessions The next Open Clinical Day will take place on (with optional self-learning on-line) Friday 11 May 2018 at Engineers’ House in Clifton Bristol.

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At the Education Centre, Roxburghe House, Royal To book a place, please contact Patti at Victoria Hospital, Jedburgh Road, Dundee DD2 1SP. [email protected] Early bird price of £80.00 is available till the 5 March 2018 Courses are run in partnership with the Royal (Thereafter the price will change to the standard rate of £100) London Hospital for Integrated Medicine and the Centre for Integrative Medical Training. SAVE THE DATES Future Open Clinical Days in 2018/19: Register On-line at: www.RLHH-Education.com For more information contact Dr Russell Malcolm at 5 October 2018 – New Options for Managing using an [email protected] Integrative Model of Care. Also, 8 February 2019 (Topic tba) and 10 May 2019 (Topic tba).

18 WHAT’S ON simile • February 2018 • The Faculty of Homeopathy

Regular meetings vets, nurses, pharmacists of all levels. Location varies, so contact in advance for details: W Surrey & W Sussex Homeopathic Group Dr Eftihia Metallidou on 0161 4747301 Event Time: 20:00 until 22:00 weekdays 12-4.00pm or email: [email protected] Members include doctors, vets, dentists, and London Homeopathic Group pharmacists. The aim of the group is to act as a forum For further information contact Dr Ralf Schmalhorst at for ongoing learning and support, covering all aspects [email protected] of homeopathy and medical practice. The Punch Bowl, Oakwood Hill, nr Ockley, Surrey. RH5 Irish Homeopathic Group 5PU Regular meetings take place in Trim, Co. Meath. For dates please contact Charles Forsyth 01737 226338 For further information contact (office) 01737 248605 (home) 07802 293006 (mobile). Dr Jaume Costa at [email protected] Leeds Homeopathic Group Northern Ireland Homeopathic Group Regular meetings at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Adel, Meetings take place for CPD, discussion of clinical north Leeds cases, and other matters related to Homeopathic Jutta Prekow on 0113 203 7329 or at practice. Open to all Faculty affiliated healthcare [email protected] professionals, regardless of experience. Manchester-Liverpool Homeopathic Group Location varies.For more information Meetings for discussing homeopathic cases and other please contact: Dr Gary Smyth, matters relevant to homeopathy. Open to doctors, E-Mail: [email protected], Tel: 07712 188165.

Portland Centre for Integrative Medicine, All teaching takes place at the Academy of Glasgow Masterclass Bristol Classical Homoeopathy on Alonissos, situated Saturday and Sunday 1 – 2 September 2018 These seminars and masterclasses take place at on a hillside overlooking the Aegean Sea. Built Penny Brohn Centre, Pill, Bristol, BS20 0HH. ten years ago, the Academy is of classical style Stress, burnout and overcoming addictions though equipped with the latest technology. Dr Jonathan Hardy will explore the issues of GEMS (Gradually Evolving Mastering For more information visit stress, burnout and addiction. He will explain Sessions) www.vithoulkascourse.co.uk/ the themes and sensations of drug remedies The cost of each GEMS seminar or 1-day Bristol in the Piperaceae, Papavaraceae, Solanaceae, Masterclass is £80. GEMS Advanced Study Glasgow Masterclasses 2018 Malvales and Magnolianae plant families, and in seminars are open to qualified registered These two-day lecture seminars are held at the the Acute, Typhoid, Cancer and Leprosy miasms. homeopaths. Glasgow Centre for Integrative Care, Gartnavel These cases will be compared with a differential To book a place, please email education@ Hospital Complex, 1053 Great Western Road, to issues and themes found in cases of gas portlandcentrehealthcare.co.uk Glasgow, G12 0XQ on various Saturdays and remedies. Sundays throughout the year, from 10am- • Friday 23 March 2018; GEMS seminar by Dr Jonathan Hardy teaches homeopathic 4.30pm. Dr Julie Geraghty medicine and is a full time homeopathic Portland Centre for Integrative Medicine with doctor since 1986 after studying medicine • Friday 8 May 2018; GEMS seminar by support from SHRET (Scottish Homeopathic and zoology. Dr Julie Geraghty Research and Educational Trust) CPD Masterclass open to all professional homeopaths, medical Glasgow Masterclass Bristol Homeopathy Masterclasses homeopaths and students of homeopathy from Saturday and Sunday 24 – 25 November 2018 all colleges. • Saturday 24 March 2018; Mothering Issues: Lanthanides and Actinides with Geoff Johnson Lac maternum and Matridonal Remedies by Fee: £160 per weekend including lunch tea and Dr Julie Geraghty. refreshments. Geoff Johnson will explore the unique issues of the Lanthanides and Actinides in cases of • Saturday 9 June 2018; Actinides and Cancer Glasgow Masterclass serious physical and mental pathology. Geoff and other complex cases by Geoff Johnson. Johnson has extensive experience of using Saturday and Sunday, 23 – 24 June 2018 • Saturday 14 July 2018; Highs and Lows of the these remedies in clinical practice. Geoff Drug Remedies by Dr Jonathan Hardy. Fraught families: depression and eating studied veterinary medicine at Cambridge disorders University and is qualified in both veterinary

homeopathy and as a homeopath to treat International Academy of Classical Dr Julie Geraghty will present cases of people. Homeopathy in Alonissos, Greece challenging issues of adolescence in families, 25 – 29 June 2018 including teenage rebellious behaviour, depression and eating disorders. Dr Geraghty 2018 Faculty of Homeopathy Congress Five-day course. Fee 350 euros will show cases of some of the less well-known 11 – 14 October 2014 Homeopathic education with George Lac Remedies including Lac Asinum and Lac Vithoulkas. Coordinated in UK by Andrew Ward Glama. Homeopathy – connecting our global community Formerly the “Open International Course” – the Dr Geraghty is Medical Dean of Faculty of course is open to homeopaths with some good Homeopathy and is a doctor at the Portland Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Liverpool, UK. experience. Centre for Integrative Medicine in Bristol www.facultyofhomeopathy.org

19 CONTACTS

Who to contact at the Faculty

••• FACULTY COUNCIL

• Helen Beaumont, President • Lesley Peatfield, Communications [email protected] Co-ordinator [email protected] • Sara Eames, Immediate Past-President [email protected] • Patricia Ridsdale, Members’ Committee Convener • Gary Smyth, Treasurer [email protected] [email protected] • Jacqueline Mardon, NHS Secondary Care • Julie Geraghty, Medical Dean Representative [email protected] [email protected]

• Peter Gregory, Veterinary Dean • Jonathan Hardy, Independent Practice [email protected] Representative [email protected] • Tariq Khan, Podiatry Dean [email protected]

••• STAFF

• Greg White – Chief Executive Officer [email protected] 07401 443580 Faculty of Homeopathy

• John Burry – Communications Manager CAN Mezzanine, [email protected] 49-51 East Road 020 3640 5903 – Ext. 1001 London, N1 6AH • Lisa Peacock – Membership and Tel: 020 3640 5903 Education Officer/Quality Officer Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.facultyofhomeopathy.org 020 3640 5903 – Ext. 1003 • Alison Davies Digital Communications Officer [email protected]

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